How to Make Lentils

3 Lentils, 3 Ways

Trying to eat less animal protein tonight? One of the easiest ways to fill up is with lentils: small, round legumes that are high in protein, full of fiber, and ready to soak up whatever flavors they're cooked in. Newbies to lentils: here are three main varieties to know and three common ways to prepare them.

Use red lentils in soups and stews. Red lentils (known in Indian cuisine as masoor dal break down when cooked to produce creamy, thick soups. Dal soups are household staples in India and surrounding countries. Try this Pakistani dal recipe for an authentic taste of India.

Use black lentils in salads. Black French du Puy lentils are small and sturdy, so they can withstand being tossed around in a salad. Use them as a salad topper, or for heftier fare, try this recipe for cold French lentils with potato salad.

Use green lentils in spreads. Employ green lentils to whip up a lentil hummus to slather on crackers, in sandwiches, or on crudités.